Comments on: CPSIA: How to move forward, coping with crisis

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:28:35 +0000

...the demand for immediates is going to sky rocket. The industry has been moving in this direction all along. It’s possible this crisis will be the impetus to bring this matter home to roost once and for all. Paradoxically, this may force smaller companies to move up another level (and in some ways, to less flexibility) because everyone who has been sending their work out to contractors will find the need to develop an in house sewing operation overnight. Either way, this one or the paragraph above, costs to the consumer will be higher.

I've been saying this forever (but nobody listens to me). California Apparel News says much the same today:

cash-strapped retailers have taken to placing late orders and relying more heavily on at-once business—placing a premium on speed to market, something that would require costly air freight for American brands sourcing overseas. Domestic manufacturers, with their more forgiving minimums and geographic desirability, are suddenly looking more and more reasonable to brands, despite their higher prices

By: Laura

Laura — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 20:27:09 +0000

Thanks for all the informative articles about this issue. One issue that was not mentioned was the recycled movement. For designers whose entire line is based on using vintage fabrics or reworking discarded garments into new products, it is impossible for them to comply with the new laws because they cannot continue making their products just by attending a wholesale fabric show. From what I’ve read here, it seems that the CPSIA will absolutely put these eco-friendly designers out of business. Since each item uses different textile source materials, even in-house testing would be utterly cost prohibitive. The “upcycling” movement has gotten great press coverage over the past year, including CNN and the New York Times. People who care about climate change and the environment want to buy products from these recyclers, but am I correct in the understanding that the CPSIA outlaws this entire category of products? Is there any hope for those who make altered/recycled textile items, or should we just give up a successful business midstream?

By: Lynn

Lynn — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:46:21 +0000

Kathleen, Having not yet produced my first line (hoping for spring), all of this is pretty scary. That being said, I really appreciate your extremely detailed information about it. Don’t know what I’d do without your web site. Thanks so much!

By: vicki

vicki — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 03:51:26 +0000

As always, you articulate exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks for keeping us informed and explaining for everyone. I appreciate it, will re-read, digest, think, plan and figure out a game plan.

By: Pam

Pam — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 02:00:18 +0000

Fantastic summary Kathleen. You have it completely nailed down correct in my opinion. All bases covered in the article, all angles are all spot on. You hit me exactly where I live, in wait. The only point I would like to make is that the final say on how the law will shake down on August 16 has to be written and stated fully by the CPSC by May 16 (90 days prior to it going into effect). So we all get to wait until May unless they decide to make the judgement after all the comments are received by Jan. 30.

By: Lisa DOWNTOWN JOEY

Lisa DOWNTOWN JOEY — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 01:33:29 +0000

Kathleen…what an excellent post. Guess I fall under “Small Companies That Do Know.” After my initial shock, I’ve decided to forge ahead in hopes of doing well with immediates. I’m not going to do much to produce my Fall/Winter samples…just add a few fabrics and lengthen the sleeves.

I feel I will be in a good position as many of my small competitors will seize operations and many large firms will not be able to react in a timely manner.

Thanks for sharing your views and our possible options. I think I’ll sleep better tonight.